2002 VW Mk IV Golf S TDI Hits 450,000 Miles

Volkswagens have long been admired for their reliability and longevity, but some cars really stand out; such as this privately owned and used Mk IV Golf S TDI belonging to Roy Dyson, which has covered more than 450,000 miles since he bought the car 10 years ago with 6021 miles on the odometer.

The 100,000-mile mark was recorded during July 2004, 150,000 miles were reached in June 2005, the 200,000-mile mark was achieved in August 2006, and the quarter million mile mark passed by in June 2007.

However, shortly after clocking up 300,000 miles, the Golf suffered its only recorded breakdown, when a failed alternator was replaced by the Automobile Association at the roadside. Indeed, Roy recalls that the only time the car didn't make it home under its own power was during the winter of 2010, when the couple were trapped in a snowstorm and spent the night in the car.

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The weather was also responsible for the car's only accident, when it slid on ice and the nearside rear door was damaged.

Apart from regular oil changes and attention to the braking system, the car has needed very little attention.

With the total mileage having just passed 450,000, the car still has its original engine, the cylinder head has never been parted from the engine block, it uses very little oil and still averages 45 U.S. mpg using regular diesel. Inevitably, the car has had a couple of clutches, several sets of brakes and wheel bearings, regular cam belt changes every 60,000 miles, and quite a few Michelin Energy tires.

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